Solar and Net Metering
260 solar panels covering approximately 8,000 square feet have been installed to the PUDs 310 Four Corner Road headquarter location. The 100,000kW solar installation is estimated to produce 63% of the PUD headquarters annual power needs. The project was funded by a $100,000 from the WA State Department of Commerce. Installation began in early-March and was completed in August by Port Townsend-based contractor, Cascadia Solar, a Division of Frederickson Electric. You can view the live production information for the PUD’s solar array linked and pictured below.
SOLAR PRODUCTION DASHBOARD
Jefferson County is unique! According to the WA State Dept. of Revenue, we have more customer-owned renewable energy systems per capita than most other counties. The PUD has separate connection agreements with each renewable energy generator to ensure the safety and reliability of power.
How Net Metering Works
Net meters are bi-directional meters allowing customers to both use power from the grid and send power back to the grid. The PUD installs the net meter on-site after a customer completes a successful application packet (see below). Net meters measure how much power comes in and how much goes out. When the PUD reads the meter, the customer is charged the difference between the two readings. If the customer generates more than they use they will receive a credit. Credits are “banked” and applied to future bills. Banked credits expire yearly in April.
Will I still have to pay the base fee if I reach Net Zero?
Yes. It costs the PUD a significant amount to connect all residents and maintain the grid that both delivers and receives the power. Even a home that generates all its own power would still pay a monthly base fee to cover a share PUD infrastructure operation and maintenance costs.
NET METER APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
To connect to Jefferson PUD’s system please review the attachments below and complete the following applications
Renewable Credits
Current Washington State law provides an incentive payment to the customer-generators of a local utility that serves renewable resource customer-generators. The customer-generator will need to complete the process and application with WSU’s Renewable Energy Incentive Program to interconnect with their local utility.
NOTICE: WSU’s incentive program is currently full and is accepting no new applicants.
Net Metering and Renewable Credit apply to the following systems*:
- Solar Panels
- Wind Systems
- Small Hydro Systems
- Fuel Cells
*must be 100 kw or less